For awhile it felt as though Minnesota Twins General Manager Terry Ryan had been reading my recent articles. I had opined recently that the Twins needed to go out and get some new pitching talent to help the lackluster lot they currently have in place.
So when the reports came out that the Twins made a signing to bolster the roster, I got excited. Then I read the details: The Twins had signed the recently waived outfielder Clete Thomas from the Detroit Tigers. Thomas has big league experience and decent numbers, but his arrival wasn’t what I was wishing for.
The Twins already have a decent supply of outfielders. Why do we need another one? How are young guys like reserve Ben Revere going to get crucial at-bats when they have another player to compete with?
I like Thomas. And with his two-run homer on April 15, in his first game as a Twin, he proved Ryan’s move was right. Thomas has grit, a good glove and an above-average bat. He was the odd man out in Detroit, but as the red-headed step child of the division, the Twins will gladly take him. Thomas could be a good, if not great fit here. I just don’t know why a team like the Twins needs so many outfielders when there are other bigger, more glaring needs.
As a fan, I’m disappointed that Ryan and his staff keep looking for bats to bring in, when this team shouldn’t be in need of hitters. After all, we have a three-time batting champ and two former American League MVPs in the heart of our order. But because guys like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau aren’t producing as they should, the Twins feel obligated to go get guys like Thomas.
While I love the fact Ryan waited just a week to stir up the clubhouse, I hope that the next addition comes in the form of a pitcher. Preferably one with a consistent arm who is able to shake off a little adversity.
Blair Reynolds is a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan who once, on a dare, ate a dome dog for every run the Twins scored in an 11-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals.
That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.
